Great Ocean Road Tour

Stretching 242 kilometres (150 miles) along Victoria’s rugged coastline, the Great Ocean Road is not only Australia’s most iconic coastal journey, it is also the largest war memorial in the world. Built by and to honour those who fought in the First World War, the road was designed to provide employment for more than 3,000 returned servicemen in appreciation for their service.

Today, it’s one of Victoria’s most famed attractions. On our Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, you’ll meet your tour host, bright and early outside your hotel (time and location TBC) and head off for your epic 12-hour adventure!

Pass the Memorial Arch, originally built in honour of Major W.T.B. McCormack, engineer of the Great Ocean Road. For many people, this signifies the start of the Great Ocean Road. There are two plaques on the arch, one commemorating Major McCormack and the other in memory of those who served in the First World War.

The former fishing village of Apollo Bay is a great place to stop for lunch, with plenty of cafes to choose from. Wander down the streets to see what takes your fancy, or chat with your tour host to get their recommendations. Or why not enjoy fish and chips on the beach — just like the locals do!

Next up is the Great Otway National Park, an area of approximately 255,000 acres and one of the most beautiful regions in Victoria. Being so large, it contains a variety of landscapes, from beaches to rainforests and waterfalls. It is home to marvellous wildlife, including koalas, southern right whales, and extensive birdlife.

If time permits, you can stop at Maits Rest Rainforest Walk to explore the park further on foot. The track is a boardwalk loop that takes around 30 minutes to complete. It winds through a temperate rainforest area with giant, 300-year-old beech myrtle trees, tree ferns and moss-covered rocks.

The major highlight of our Great Ocean Road private tour is the 12 Apostles, a slightly misleading name as there are actually only eight of these pillars left standing. They are 150-metre-tall limestone columns that were once connected to the mainland cliffs but have separated over the years due to erosion. They are generally considered to be one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world. You will stop at the visitor centre which has secure walks out to viewing platforms.

Near the 12 Apostles is Loch Ard Gorge. The Loch Ard was a clipper ship that wrecked on Mutton Bird Island off this coast in 1878. It is probably Victoria’s best-known shipwreck, though far from the only wreck in this area. The stretch from Moonlight Head to Port Fairy is known as the Shipwreck Coast and approximately 700 ships were wrecked on these shores!

Today, however, Loch Ard Gorge is a calm, picturesque inlet with steep cliffs and clear water that has been the backdrop to movies and television shows. Due to some instability in the cliffs, beach access is currently unavailable.

At the end of our Great Ocean Road group tour, you will return to Melbourne via an inland route through the town of Colac. Your tour host will plan the timing of the day to ensure you are back at approximately 8 pm.

If you have any questions about our Great Ocean Road trips from Melbourne, feel free to contact us. And if you’re interested in more excursions from the city, then you may also like our Healesville Sanctuary and Yarra Valley Winery Tour!